Ricky Gervais’ Derek Heads to Netflix

Netflix is set to premiere “Derek,” an original series starring, written, directed and executive-produced by Ricky Gervais on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at 12:01 AM PT . All seven 30-minute episodes in the series will be available at launch.

Netflix members will have access to “Derek” in all territories where Netflix is available  U.S., Canada, Ireland, Latin America, Brazil and the Nordics  except for the UK, where the series premiered on Channel 4 and was recently renewed for a second season. David Earl, Karl Pilkington and Kerry Godliman star in “Derek” along with Gervais. “Derek” is produced by Derek Productions Ltd. for Netflix.

“Ricky Gervais is one of the most distinctive comedy voices of his generation,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer for Netflix. “With ‘Derek,’ Ricky takes on new territory and mixes comedy with drama that is sometimes touching and sometimes heartbreaking. We are proud to partner with Ricky to present this unique and wonderful series to our members”

A bittersweet comedy-drama about a group of outsiders living on society’s margins, “Derek” centers around Derek Noakes (Gervais), a tender, innocent man whose love for his job at a retirement home shines through. Derek cares deeply for the home’s residents, because they are kind and funny and tell him stories of what life used to be like. Working alongside Derek is Dougie (Pilkington), his landlord who is one of life’s unlucky individuals; Kev (Earl), a loveable train wreck; and Hannah (Godliman), a care worker in the home and Derek’s best friend. She is smart, witty and hard-working, but unlucky in love, and, like Derek, always puts other people first.

Creator and star of “The Office” and “Extras,” Ricky Gervais has won three Golden Globes, two Primetime Emmys, and seven BAFTAS. “The Office” is the most successful British comedy of all time, shown in more than 90 countries with seven remakes.